The communications and public relations track at Hampden-Sydney prepares students for dynamic careers at the intersection of media, strategy, and leadership. From corporate communications and public affairs to nonprofit advocacy, graduates gain the skills to influence audiences, shape public perception, manage reputations, and drive meaningful conversations in every sector.
Tiger Tracks are designed to help students chart a course to his career goals, providing a roadmap of classes, activities, resources, and alumni connections.
The cornerstone of Hampden-Sydney's academic experience, the Rhetoric Program offers a minor in Rhetoric and assures that every young man who graduates will know how to express himself clearly and confidently.
The English department offers a major in English and a minor in Creative Writing with a rich curriculum in British, American, and world literatures, creative writing, cinema, and literary theory.
The Philosophy department at Hampden-Sydney College offers a major in Philosophy as well as the opportunity to explore Interdisciplinary majors involving philosophy.
The Politics department offers a Government major, a Foreign Affairs major, and a minor in Law and Public Policy.
A foundational component to the College’s curriculum and formalized in 1978, the Rhetoric Program empowers students to use language to influence audiences. A rhetoric minor prepares students for roles in marketing, public relations, technical writing, content creation, and digital media. Coursework in creative writing, English, government and foreign affairs, public policy, and philosophy also prepares students to identify perspectives, construct arguments, and craft persuasive communications.
The Rhetoric Studio is home to Hampden-Sydney Writing and Speaking Centers and Digital Rhetoric Program. With support from the Rhetoric Studio faculty, students are guided in the creation of informative and persuasive written, oral, digital, and multi-modal communication projects. Join the second-oldest debating society in the U.S., the Union- Philanthropic Literary Society, and hone your ability to quickly articulate your ideas clearly and persuasively.
Students in the communications and public relations track have the chance to intern for industry leaders, many of whom are Hampden- Sydney grads themselves. Students have landed communications, marketing, and public relations internships at organizations such as:
Students who pursue a communications and public relations track are well-suited to careers in advertising, marketing, corporate and crisis communications, media relations, digital content creation, and many more fields. Hampden-Sydney graduates have started their own marketing, public relations, and communications firms in major markets such as Nashville, Richmond, and Washington, D.C., to great success.
At the Pannill Center for Rhetoric and Communication, communications and public relations track students have access to trained professionals who will guide their development as clear, concise communicators.
“Through the Rhetoric Program and leadership opportunities, H-SC taught me to communicate clearly, tell compelling stories, and build meaningful connections with any audience.”
—Damien Sharp ’15 Media Relations Specialist at Cornell University
“The rigorous yet classic liberal arts education that I got at H-SC has served me well in my career as a journalist.”
—Matthew Philips ’01 Director of Washington Enterprise at CNN
A foundation for success
From economics and literature to physical sciences and fine arts, you can choose from 25 majors and 28 minors toward a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree—that's 50+ majors, minors, and special programs to help you find your passions, gifts, and purpose.
Teaching young men how to express themselves clearly and confidently
The Pannill Center for Rhetoric and Communication places the College's central academic program in the physical center of campus: the Rhetoric Program is the cornerstone of the academic experience, was established nearly 50 years ago, and is based on a 1978 faculty resolution that states, "All Hampden-Sydney graduates will write and speak competently."
Welcoming students, alumni and employers at any stage in their process
The Career Center not only helps students navigate the journey from exploring a career to finding a job, but it is also dedicated to supporting alumni and building success in whatever path they choose to pursue.
